Traditional fixed braces are fitted to the front of the teeth and use a wire track to create tension which, over time, straightens the teeth and restores a more natural position. This highly popular method is an effective and proven way of achieving a more attractive and even smile for orthodontic patients.
Here we offer a few tips on what to expect from your braces and how to keep them in great condition during your teeth straightening treatment.
Pain
Once your braces are fitted you may feel some pain and discomfort, especially in the early weeks as your teeth adapt to the procedure. This is perfectly normal and can be eased by taking non-prescription pain-killers such as paracetamol. Try to resist the urge to poke or prod at your braces during this stage, as this can cause complications.
Routine
Although it may take some getting used to, it’s important to maintain your dental hygiene regime during treatment and take extra care when cleaning your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss three times per day and to focus on the areas in and around your brace fitting, this will ensure that all areas are cleaned.
Eating
As you might expect, once your brace is fitted you will have to adapt your diet. Eating hard, chewy food is likely to cause issues for brace wearers and favourites such as bread and sweetcorn can be very difficult to remove! Try to eat softer foods such as banana, yoghurt and cheese in favour of harder products like apples, carrots and popcorn.
Habits
Once your brace is fitted you’ll have to conquer bad habits such as nail-biting or chewing pen-lids as they can easily lead to a painful experience and an unwanted emergency trip to the orthodontist. Oral health is also essential to successful teeth straightening treatment, so if you smoke, the time to quit is now...
Appointments
Once a fixed brace is fitted you will be required to attend important check-up appointments with your orthodontist every five to seven weeks. It may seem a pain to make such regular visits, but each appointment provides your orthodontist the chance to keep tabs on how treatment is progressing and to identify any issues that may occur.
To find out more, please get in touch!
If you are interested in finding out more about teeth straightening treatment and how fixed braces can help to improve your smile, please call the friendly team at Marsh House Orthodontics today on 020 8646 6200.